Historic ILUA signing in Alice Springs
The Central Land Council says today's signing of the Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) covering land in the suburb of Larapinta in Alice Springs is a remarkable step in the town's history.
CLC director David Ross congratulated the members of Arrernte native title body Lhere Artepe Aboriginal Corporation and the Northern Territory Government on the signing of the ILUA.
"This would have seemed impossible even ten years ago," he said, "but here we are today, after a lot of very hard work, signing an agreement forged in good faith by both parties which will make a significant contribution to the future of the town.
"I fully appreciate how difficult it has been for the native title holders to give up their land and native title rights so soon after they were finally recognised. However, to their credit, they have also kept the interests of the wider community in mind and this agreement is a testament to their foresight.
"The Northern Territory Government deserves recognition for its patience and non-confrontational approach. The Government recognised that this was a completely new and unfamiliar experience for the native title holders and allowed time for a consensual decision.
"The difficult issues encountered during these negotiations will provide valuable experience for both governments and native title holders in the Territory," he said.
The CLC lodged the claim on behalf of native title holders in 1994.
22 April 2004
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